Sound Models

Sounds and Scales

On our “Sounds and Scales Page" you will find a list of scales we offer with their descriptions, the available keys, as well as a few audio recordings of each. Transpositions of scales into different keys, and custom scales are possible and we are more than happy to help create the perfect instrument for you. Scrolling down you will find: Single-sided scales (Which are available on our Ascension/Mandala/Primordial and Atlas series), Double-sided scale information, as well as Flute and Drum combinations.

*We are currently re-filming our display videos and recordings with better audio. Please explore our older recordings in the interim.*

Arbutus

The Arbutus scale is derived from the Mixolydian mode, and is warm, and expressive. It is our most “up-beat” and “happiest” sounding scale that we offer. Great if you are looking for something Angelic and crystalline. Excited, Bubbly, Changing.

Beta-Tone

The Beta-Tone scale is a minor Pentatonic scale (In various keys), the minor pentatonic scale steps are: 1-b3-4-5-b7. These drums are great for beginners or if you are looking for a Steel Tongue Drum to match a particular minor key you are wishing to play in. Mystic, Airy, Mysterious.

Hijaz

The Hijaz scale is very common in Middle Eastern music, particularly Arabic and Egyptian Music. It may be seen as an altered Phrygian mode that is a Phrygian with a raised third in the key of C relating to the third mode in a C Major scale system. Exotic, Mysterious, Spooky.

Melog

The Melog scale has 5 notes of the E Major scale (A Major pentatonic variation), which give this drum a full sound, and is easy access for beginners. It has octaves of all the notes allowing for the creation of some pleasant over-tones. Full, Broad, Confident.

Penta-Tone

The Penta-tone scale is Major Pentatonic scale (In various keys), the Major pentatonic Scale steps are: 1-2-3-5-6. These drums are great for beginners or if you are looking for a Steel Tongue Drum to match a particular Major key you are wishing to play in. Our most popular scale. Warm, Bright, Harmonically Solid.

Pygmy

The Pygmy scale is a minor pentatonic scale, with a yearning quality. Use of the Pygmy scale has grown in popularity since the invention of the Hang (instrument) in the year 2000, handpan’s such as the Halo and also steel tongue drums. All of which have been made using sound models based on the Pygmy scale. Searching, Yearning, Flowing.

Renaissance

The Renaissance scale is a Dorian Mode which is a minor type scale (it has a b3) and is most commonly used for jazz and blues improvisation. It is usually the first choice for playing over an unrelated minor chord (meaning a minor chord not obviously in a particular key). Our most popular minor scale. Powerful, Deep, Magic.

Solstice

The Solstice scale is full, bright, and very soothing. A very popular scale for yoga classes and meditation. Reminiscent of classical piano, and beautiful musical forms can be created within its note range. Our second most popular minor scale. Soothing, Transforming, Eloquent.

Double-Sided Instruments

Our Double-Sided Instruments have some well thought-out features and good versatility that make them a great choice for someone wanting to have more melody options available for their musical creations.

Double-Sided Instruments Explained

Our Double-Sided Drums generally combine two scales: A 9 note Major scale, and its 9 note relative minor. With our double-sided scale combinations you get a more versatile instrument in terms of scale variety, and a more layered sound profile. The double-sided instruments have a sound that is reminiscent of being underwater, ethereal and other-worldly, and it is quite beautiful. There is a slight loss of over-all volume as adding tongues to the bottom of the instrument to add more notes removes some of its ability to hold resonance. Most people find this to be an acceptable trade-off for the increase in sound-quality and versatility.

Chilcotin

The Chilcotin combines our most popular scale "Renaissance" (Dorian Mode) with our most user friendly scale "Penta-tone" (Major Pentatonic) and creates a very harmonically strong mix. The name of this scale comes from a geographic location in British Columbia known as the "Chilcotin Plateau" which is an area of rolling grasslands, large mountains, and wild beauty. Strong, Robust, Expressive

Renaissance and Pentatone – D minor/F Major

Damascus

The Damascus combines one of our most exotic scales, the "Hijaz" (A Harmonic minor), with a very bright and warm major scale "Arbutus" (A mixolydian mode). This scale combination is beautiful and has the most variety between the two scales in our double-sided combinations.

Hijaz and Arbutus - D minor and Bb Major

Shogun

The Shogun combines the Akebono scale, with our Pentatone (major Pentatonic). The Akebono is mysterious and ethereal, while the major pentatonic gives good grounding to the instruments overall sound-profile. It is our highest and brightest doube-sided combination.

Akebono and Pentatone - D minor and F major

Yin-Yang

Yin-Yang

The Yin-Yang combines the Pygmy scale and the Melog Scale. The Pygmy is a beautiful minor, that is complimented well by the warmth and brightness of the Melog scale. The Pygmy and the Melog scale are both very popular choices for Handpans. This scale combination is all about balance.

Pygmy and Melog - D minor and F Major

Primordial Mini Series

These are our smallest and most transportable steel tongue drums at 8″ in diameter,and because of this small size the scales are bright and warm, and the notes are very clear.

C Major Penta-Tone

The Penta-tone scale is Major Pentatonic scale, and the Major pentatonic Scale steps are: 1-2-3-5-6. These drums are great for beginners and are our most popular scale. Warm, Bright, Harmonically Solid.

B minor Solstice

The Solstice scale is full, bright, and very soothing. A very popular scale for yoga classes and meditation. Reminiscent of classical piano, and beautiful musical forms can be created within its note range. Our second most popular minor scale. Soothing, Transforming, Eloquent.

Drum and Flute Combinations

We have created some exquisite instrument pairings, combining our steel tongue drums with native flutes made by resident flute master "BlueStar", who has been passionately making flutes for 18 years. We find that these combinations are great for music therapy, sound journeys, looping environments and those who are looking to get two instruments that can be mixed beautifully together. Please explore more of Bluestar's work here.

Solstice Combination (E minor Aeolian)

In this combination we have mixed our Solstice scale (E minor Aeolian, with 10 notes) with an E minor Aeolian (6 note) native flute. This is a good combination for a more experienced player, and would do well in sound journeys and live-looping applications. The larger Flute and large 10 note steel tongue drum compliment each-other well, and give a large range of melody options.

Mandala Mini Combination (G# minor Beta-Tone)

In this combination we have mixed our Mandala Mini (G# minor pentatonic, 6 note) with a 6 note minor pentatonic flute. The smaller drum size, and smaller flute size make this an easily transportable instrument combination, that sounds fantastic together. It is great for players who are looking for complimentary instruments, or for folks who are wanting to get two instruments they can play simultaneously.

ABOUT KINDRED SPIRIT STEEL DRUMS

At Kindred Spirit Drums we are striving to “Create Vitality Through Sound”. Vitality means to be in a state of “Strength, action and energy” which we feel comes with the feeling of playing a Steel Tongue Drum or Handpan. The world is in great need of a resurrection of the unhindered experimentation with music to help return vitality to the people and remove the apathy that the modern-world seems to foster in the human psyche. We would be honoured if you would join us on this journey.